The Colour of Hope

by Ross MacKenzie

'Pure brilliance… A dazzling spectrum of non-stop thrills' Piers Torday

'It’s as magical as it is original; infused with a glittering rainbow of strange enchantments, colourful characters, and brave hearts' Thomas Taylor

'Why am I different?'
'I don't know, lassie. I wish I did. And I wish you didn't have tae hide it.'

The Dominion is cursed. Years ago, the Emperor and his Necromancer stole all the colour from the world. Now they keep it for themselves, enjoying its life-giving power while everyone else must exist in cold shades of grey.

That is until a miracle baby is born - a little girl who lives in brilliant colour. But the child's life is in danger from her first breath. Soon the Emperor's murderous ripper dogs and black coats come hunting. A drifter mage, Sandy Burns, intervenes, hiding the wee miracle in the forest, raising her as his own. Rumour of ‘the rainbow child’ spreads, giving hope to those who had lost it ... but bringing danger and adventure to Sandy and his daughter.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Magic

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2022

Reviews

[Emily Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled across this by accident when I needed a audiobook in a rush for a drive. Was very quickly hooked and highly entertained by the engaging narrator and fun story line

[Becky Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best middle grade books I have ever read! This had everything. Thrilling and pacy fantasy, magical creatures, and amazing characters to name but a few. The descriptions of the colous in a grey world were so evocative that I never wanted to leave. The ending made me cry on the bus, and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

This was special ♥️

[Samantha Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. What a rollercoaster of emotions at times, but Ross really grabbed his readers and kept me hooked from the start. Hope is a fantastic character and all the things that happen on her journey, with her trusted companions and new friend, Odd, who she forms a special friendship with.

[Darren Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone has considered reading this and not yet done so I would wholeheartedly recommend it!! I was slow to read this book because it is very different to my previous books therefore expectations were lower, that being said, once started it i found it an excellent read, and a real page turner,it has an engaging story, excellent characters and imagination and a big heart! This author has delivered with every book he has written!

[Aria Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely bloody brilliant. I loved the storyline and I adored some of the characters and hated others which I think was the purpose of their characterisation. This was such a magical read that had my imagination racing and so as a child I would have loved it. POarents get this book for your children. They will love it.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine the entire world in black, white and grey, imagine not even knowing what colour is. But the world wasn't always like this. Years ago, a prince was born without colour and when he grew up, he used a spell to remove colour from everywhere, so he wouldn't have to be the only one without it.
How awful it would be to have a world without colour! The descriptions by the older people who can still remember it are really amazing, I wouldn't have known where to start. The magical way colour is described, how it warms and lights up the world, it's so evocative. I also loved all the fantastical elements in the book, Sandy's magic caravan and all his potions. The author has also managed to make a fantastic Death character who almost rivals the Discworld character.
After loving Nowhere Emporium trilogy, I was very happy to find the author had this new book coming, I love his writing.

[Joanne (Lyra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I loved Hope with her curiousness and maturity, and her family dynamic with Sandy was just adorable that the inevitable scene near the end made me tear up a bit. The descriptions in some scenes were gorgeous, alongside the darkness that was surprising to see for a middle-grade novel.

The only downfalls for me were that I wanted to see more of the Rainbow League and possibly more of the characters from that division. The middle section with Baba also felt unnecessary to me as I felt that it was only added to lengthen the book and introduce a friend to Hope.

I couldn't help reminding myself of A Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking and thinking it could have gone down a similar route. The weight of a young girl suddenly being pushed into the spotlight of hero and fixing issues created by adults, and being no way prepared to fight could lead to resentment on both sides and cause an inner struggle with what Hope wants and what is best for everyone. Though I know this was written for younger readers in mind then the other book I mentioned, so this critique of mine can be swept aside.

Overall, a really nice book to read, and I wouldn't mind reading more from the author.

[Hwee Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor and his Aunt, the powerful Necromancer, have robbed the Dominion of its colour. Born in hues of black, white and grey himself — he would not allow his land to have colour either.

On the night of a shooting star, young Darroch makes a wish that colour will come back. Far in the hills, a baby is born. With colour. When her parents flee to try to hide her, they’re hunted and killed by ghostly Black Coats riding on Ripper Dogs.

This beautiful book follows through the twelve years as the child, Hope, grows up in the care of Sandy, a traveling mage who had rescued her the night of the attack. They live in a caravan made of enchanted wood, with a spiral staircase below where the potions are stored and up to a mezzanine where Hope’s bed is.

Even as a resistance called the Rainbow League builds up, Hope herself finds her power growing. She encounters a moon wyvern, a patchwork boy, and Baba the witch on her travels.

And author Ross Mackenzie tells a lyrical, heartwarming tale which got me involved with every twist, tug and turn. I highly recommend this to my young readers who love a well-spun tale and adventure.

📚: @definitelybookskids

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It captured my imagination right from the first page, and kept it right until the very end.

I love the world building, and the idea of colour being removed. Colour is something that is so intrinsic to most of our lives, it’s hard to imagine life without it. I loved the way magic is a part of the world.

The characters are great, so believable and relatable. I especially love Hope, Darroch, and of course Oliver! I also loved the plot, it carried me along, and I just didn’t want to stop reading. It’s so fabulously well written.

The only thing I didn’t like was one of the central characters died. It was absolutely necessary for the story, but more upsetting than I prefer. But the rest is so brilliant, it totally makes up for it.

Overall, this was a wonderful and magical adventure, and one of my favourite books this year.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[John Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from a Toppsta giveaway.

I try to be critical but not overly critical in my reviews. In this case I found nothing to criticise. The story flowed. It never lost me as a reader. All the parts introduced fit well together and had conclusions. All this in a world without colour.

It also had great characters, a villain who you could safely hate, a sense of wonderment and a world that was more believable than many.

The language used was perfect for the target audience. The peril wasn't ever too graphic or unnecessary. It was a pleasure to read.

One day I can see this being adapted into a movie. If that happens I will be there to watch it.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful, hopeful & magical story, I absolutely loved it! The thought of living life in black and white, with all colour drained is horrendous and this is the world that young Hope is born into , tragically losing her parents soon after. Hope has a gift however , she can bring the colour back - but only when she’s strong enough.
I loved reading about the wyvern- who wouldn’t want to soar upwards on a dragons back - and the story has a strong message of family not always being blood relations but their support being essential to a happy life.

[BookLoverLily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darroch pleaded his grandma to tell him more about colour.His grandma describes the feeling of colour. That very night, Darroch as he was going to bed he saw a shooting star. He wishes for someone to bring back colour. Meanwhile, the husband and wife have a baby. The baby was a miracle, everything the baby touched, it would turn in to colour. But the baby life is in danger from her very first breath. Her parents are killed to protect her. Then, Sandy Burns finds her and adopts her. What will happen next….

[Hana Moncrieff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book.

This book I was not keen on first but funnily enough I poured over the pages the second I started reading! I love this. All the surprises and secrets that are revealed like how Sandy is the Emperors brother! What?! A bright man who is kind enough to take the risk of loving and guarding a girl of colour (Hope) brothers with a man cold-hearted and jealous of colour taking away every speck of it ! …. Except Hope the girl who saves the world. The girl who gives hope to the world and the best thing about that is that it is enough. Enough to get out there and fight for what you want!

To stand out between all ….



Love and a flock of doves 🕊️
Xxxxxxxxxxx

[Mahrosh J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this book had me hooked when i started reading it, Hope is likeable, and the dynamic of her and Sandy feels very natural and on its own the idea of a black and white world with a young girl having magic powers to save it is a very gripping tale. But, i feel like this book didnt use its full potential, lots of key story points were rushed, especially towards the end. Killing off Sandy's brother so suddenly was underwhelming, and i really do think there was more potential but i guess it just wasnt my cup of tea.

[Sarah Lundie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children’s books I’ve read in a long time. As a teacher, I would recommend this book for 8 years and up (with parent support for 8-10 years with some content).

Hope is a brave girl of color who is a great role model for children. This book has fantasy, adventure, morals, diverse characters, empathy for characters and readers, and well written. A hopeful story for the upcoming generations.

[Katie Tong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow! What a story. Magic and mythical creatures and colour and grey and family and love and danger and adventure. Beautiful descriptions too -especially the way the older people describe colours to those who have never seen them. I wanted to read more to find out the next part but didn't want it to end.

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, magic, kidnap and Death. what more do you need in a story?! Hope lives in a black and white world. It used to be filled with colour, but not now. There is talk of a rainbow child, a child who can break the curse. Could Hope help to bring colour back, along with her new found friends? A really lovely story about not hiding who you are and not just blending in.

[Jason C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hooked at the beginning - sucked me right in. I got a bit lost the more the book progressed...lots of strands of storyline tangling together that I couldn't quite follow. I never can quite relax into a book written in first person!

[Declan McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall reading this last summer as one of the most magically fantastical books I've ever read. Everything has such life, love and passion. Fight against the greyness of life and bring out the colour, with every chapter, I'm constantly hooked into this rare world of immersion & floods of joy

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable

[mrs hayley mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying, you are. A beautiful, inspiring, colourful book of Hope. Quite possibly the most emotional book I've read. If only every child believed in themselves as much as Hope.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Ross Mackenzie! Never fails to create a page turner.

[Kimberley Addyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ross Mackenzie writes so beautifully, his descriptive language captures the imagination from the off. My class are all excited to borrow my copy now that I have finished reading it!

[Anousheh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its an amazing book full of joy. I could not stop reading. So many interesting twists.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant tale, flows so well as you read it is difficult to put down. The children in my class are going to love it when I read it to them!

[Tracey Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up The Colour of Hope I did not know what I would get and was taken aback by an amazing story which captivated and moved me.


All the characters were so well written as was the plot and world building where colour was banned. And yes I cried in certain scenes but I won't say where as I do not do spoilers


I am a little bit annoyed with myself that I had not picked up this book sooner.


For all the above reasons The Colour of Hope receives 5 stars

[trijnewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We luisterden traag en gestaag naar dit audioboek, wat paste bij het verhaal. Het verhaal deed ons stilstaan bij kleur, je anders zijn moeten verbergen en dat je nooit de hoop moet opgeven. De groep personages was divers en complementair, waardoor de ietwat voorspelbare verhaallijnen genoeg gecompenseerd werden. Onze 12 en 14 jarige, die al honderden boeken lazen, zien sommige dingen nu eenmaal al van veel verder aankomen dan het gemiddelde doelpubliek van 8-12 jaar ;)

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite, meticulous world-building sets a most extraordinary background for a story that it simply timeless. Wonderful lyrical writing spins a tale that weaves its way into the heart and imagination and gives pause for thought. Brilliant, unusual characters that are fully relatable; filled with action and adventure in a steady, dynamic pace; the story is spell-binding. Its quieter moments peel away layer after layer of backstory, revealing a forgotten magic that inspires. Despite all odds, young Hope overcomes her own limits and the fears of those around, inspiring a rallying cry against the wickedness and manipulation of those in power…creating a magnificent, magical world of colour. Joyous; more than just your ordinary fantasy; imaginative, intriguing, exciting and full of…hope.

[Kait Leeming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is a just a baby when her mother dies and she is taken in by a roaming mage. He raises her happily in his way of life but it soon become clear that there’s something different about Hope. In a world of black and white, hope is born in colour and when her emotions rub away with her, her colour spreads. Can hope survive long enough to learn to control her power? Can she overturn the long and can she remedy the work the evil necromancer has done and once again fill the world with colour?!

A brilliant book for young readers 9+, a real adventure full of values and moral dilemmas for you to discuss with your kid as you read. Love it.

[Omiai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it took a while for me to really get into this book, but in the end I really enjoyed it. It was a bit slow to get going, as there was quite a bit of backstory to set up, characters to introduce. etc. it was all needed for the story, it just took quite a while. But overall, it was an excellent story, with some brilliant characters, and amazing descriptions, despite the lack of colour in the world.
I think this would be most enjoyed by kids around 10+